Today is international small business day, celebrating the success and importance of small business and the role they play in supporting local communities.
Officially called the ‘Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day’, the day focuses on enterprises with fewer than 250 employees which are the backbone of most economies worldwide.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said small business was particularly important in regional communities likes Gippsland, where it provided employment and sponsored local groups and events.
“Data provided by the International Council for Small Business shows small business accounts for 60-70% of total employment worldwide,” Mr Chester said.
“Small businesses tend to employ a larger share of the vulnerable sectors of the workforce, such as women, youth, and people from poorer households.
“In some cases, small business can be the only source of employment in rural areas.”
Mr Chester said small business provided more than just a job – it provided a safety net for inclusiveness and supporting community members in need.
“Many communities also rely on small business to support their events or sporting clubs and in that regard, small businesses really are essential to the fabric of regional life as we know it.”
Mr Chester encouraged locals to take time to reflect on the importance of small businesses in their home town and use the commemorative day to “buy local”.
“I am a strong advocate for the benefits of shopping locally and making sure as a community we do all we can to support a prosperous future for Gippsland,” Mr Chester said.
“Supporting local business is the best thing we can do to create a prosperous region into the future.
“Studies have shown every dollar spent in tourism generates 92 cents in other parts of the economy.
“On international small business day, and every other day of the year, I encourage shoppers to think about Putting Locals First and supporting local jobs.”
Photo attached of Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester with Sandbar Surf owner Gerry Lina. Mr Chester is encouraging locals to think about Putting Locals First and supporting local jobs on international small business day – and every other day of the year.
